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Topic Review (Newest First)

11-12-2012 08:46 AM

BubbleheadMd

Re: First Boat - Pearson 26 vs Seafarer 26

Assuming two boats in equal material condition, consider the following:

I have a Seafarer 26 and my 'slip neighbor' has a Pearson 26.
See Sloanfiske's info. In addition to the skeg hung rudder and
encapsulated keel (no keel bolts to worry about) one major
enhancement the Seafarer has over the Pearson is where the
chainplates connect to the sidestays. The Pearson connects on
deck...eventually, unless you are maintenance meticulous, that
is where your soft spots will begin. The Seafarer's chainplates
are on the side of the boat...no soft spots or costly deck repair.
Both are solid and neither will win a race...but I'd take the Seafarer26
over the Pearson26 every time.

The Pearson 26 chainplates are fastened to the cabin bulkhead, not the deck. Fastening chainplates to the hull is not necessarily an advantage.

According to N.E. PHRF, the Pearson 26 rates 213 while the Seafarer 26 rates 240. That means the Seafarer will be given approximately an extra half a minute (27 seconds) a mile to catch up with the Pearson.

11-11-2012 07:49 PM

bobnpaula

Re: First Boat - Pearson 26 vs Seafarer 26

our first boat was a 1980 Seafarer 30, which had been impeccably maintained. We liked the fin keel/skeg-hung rudder so much we looked for the same in our current boat. don't know how the 30 compares to the 26, but our 30 was fun, fast, great in light airs and lived large for a 30' boat. We sailed her extensively in the Cheseapeake, and had a lot of good times. She did better to windward, didn't really like downwind sailing as much. Seafarers are very reasonably priced, and very good value... perfect for a Chessie boat. Ours drew 4'11", and we managed to get into a lot of gunkholes. Make sure to check portholes for leaks, and integrity of chainplates. Good luck.

11-11-2012 07:18 PM

Whiskerpole

Re: First Boat - Pearson 26 vs Seafarer 26

I have a Seafarer 26 and my 'slip neighbor' has a Pearson 26.
See Sloanfiske's info. In addition to the skeg hung rudder and
encapsulated keel (no keel bolts to worry about) one major
enhancement the Seafarer has over the Pearson is where the
chainplates connect to the sidestays. The Pearson connects on
deck...eventually, unless you are maintenance meticulous, that
is where your soft spots will begin. The Seafarer's chainplates
are on the side of the boat...no soft spots or costly deck repair.
Both are solid and neither will win a race...but I'd take the Seafarer26
over the Pearson26 every time.

08-03-2011 07:49 PM

Sailski3

Many Thanks

Looked at the Seafarer this past weekend and found it well cared for. Couldn't get it together with the Pearson owner for an inspection. Like the trailerability of the Seafarer and will likely make an offer. Thanks again to all who have responded with valuable input. It is a great into to sailboat ownership that the "community" takes the time to offer a newbie advice and guidance.

08-02-2011 02:07 PM

sidney777

I agree with sloanfiske . There are many more Pearson 26 than Seafarer 26 so you will get alot of opinions on Pearsons. Might take a look at Seafarer Research Center
There are Seafarer "original" information sites, like brochures that make Seafarers sound like the best thing since sliced bread. Quote. " McCurdy and Rhodes designed and for offshore sailing". Excellent construction and very roomy inside. Excellent hull to deck joint. *I would have to see both boats that I was looking at to decide.
---Every review or comment about the -Pearson 26- says small or cramped inside- AND the rudder hardware needs replaced or to make sure you watch it for a breakdown.
---Every review/comment about Seafarer says they are roomy and well built. There is no consistent, constant negative comment about the Seafarer 26. I agree and I own a Seafarer 26 for 2 yrs.

07-31-2011 01:54 AM

Boatinglifeaway

The P26 seems to be a more popular choice. This is an actual great one to get. I am all for it as well.

07-30-2011 10:40 PM

CalebD

I know of a Tartan 27' available for $3.5K in Annapolis if you care.

07-30-2011 08:20 PM

ccriders

Sailski,
Have you been reading the thread started by BubbleheadMD about buying a Pearson 30?
While you did not specify your budget, you might look at a few larger boats, say up to 30feet before deciding on the 26. There was a time when I thought a 25' boat would hang the moon, but now feel that a 30 footer is almost ideal. The cost of maintenance will be only one step more expensive (size of rigging being the most obvious item) and since most marinas basically charge for 30 feet as a minimum, you might as well fill up the slip with boat. The handling of a 30 is no more difficult or complex than a 26 once you get over the psychological barrier and you will have a much more comfortable boat for weekending and that week long summer cruise. And finally, now is a really good time to be buying a boat, you might get a deal you will never see again.
Good luck,
John

07-30-2011 07:54 PM

sloanfiske

seafarer has a skeg mount rudder and a lead encapsulated keel. should have wheel steering and an inboard diesel (likely a yanmar 1gm). also, has 6'2 headroom and generally has a real head instead of a porta. also has a lead encapsulated keel.

P26 has an exposed rudder, tiller, and an outboard. there are known rudder shaft issues along with keel bolt issues.

fwiw, i looked at both the P26 and Seafarer, and bought a seafarer. for coastal cruising seems like a Seafarer would fit the bill better maybe.

the seafarer is pretty great little boat. all the trappings of a bigger boat in a smaller package.

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